Appendix K – Livestock Grazing
Appendix K – Livestock Grazing
This appendix provides the background information regarding standards for range improvements, grazing
allotments, and standards for rangeland health. These topics are referenced in Chapters 1-3.
This appendix contains the following:
x
x
x
x
Standard procedures and design elements for range improvements within the Medford District
and Klamath Falls Field Office
Grazing Allotments in the Klamath Falls Field Office and Medford District
Standards for Rangeland Health
Drought management policies
Standard Procedures and Design Elements for Range
Improvements within the Klamath Falls Field Office and
Medford District
The following standard procedures and design elements would be adhered to in implementation of the
proposed construction of range improvements within the Klamath Falls Field Office and Medford
District:
x
Inventories and surveys for cultural resources, threatened and endangered species, and Special
Status Species would be conducted prior to authorization of any project construction, and
appropriate mitigation implemented to reduce or eliminate potential effects.
x
Surface disturbance at all project sites would be held to a minimum. Disturbed soil would be
rehabilitated to blend into surrounding soil surface and reseeded as needed with a mixture of
native grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees as applicable to replace ground cover, reduce soil loss
from wind and water erosion, and discourage the potential establishment of any invasive, nonnative plant species.
x
Where possible, existing roads and trails would provide access for range improvement
construction. If needed, unimproved trails and tracks would be created to reach construction sites
and provide access for future maintenance of the improvements. Locate unimproved trails or
tracks outside riparian management areas where workable.
All range improvements would be constructed in accordance with USDI BLM Manual 1741-1 (1989,
Fencing), USDI BLM Manual 1741-2 (1990, Water Developments) and Oregon Water Resources
Department for water developments.
Additional design features specific to the individual types of improvements are the following:
Reservoirs
x
x
x
Development of reservoirs would involve the construction of pits and dams to impound water for
livestock and wildlife use.
Pits would be in dry lake beds or other natural depressions. Dams would be constructed in
drainages or to one side of a drainage, with a diversion ditch constructed into the impoundment
area.
Water right applications would be coordinated as needed with applicable agencies, irrigation
districts, and other interested parties.
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x
x
x
x
x
x
x
A water right permit would be obtained from the Oregon Water Resources Department prior to
construction.
Water storage capacity would not exceed 3.0 acre-feet.
Dams would be located, if possible, to take advantage of natural spillway sites; otherwise, a
spillway would be constructed around the dam for the reservoir. The slopes of the dam must be a
minimum 3 to 1 on the upstream face and minimum of 2 to 1 on the downstream face. Minimum
width of the top of all dams would be 12 feet.
The spillway would be designed to withstand the 50-year flood flow without overtopping the
dam. It should also direct the pass flow downstream to prevent erosion of the embankment.
Fill material, if needed, would come from the impoundment area and/or a borrow area for dams.
Excavated material from pits would be piled adjacent to the pit. The potential for erosion of the
excavated material into the pit would be eliminated. Topsoil would be stockpiled and used to
rehabilitate the borrow areas.
All brush, stumps, roots, and organic matter would be cleared from the borrow area and beneath
the dam. Only fill materials consisting of non-organic and cohesive soils adjusted in moisture to
optimum water content would be used for construction of the dam. Individual layers would not
exceed 8 inches in thickness and would be compacted with a sheepsfoot roller or similar
equipment. Fill material should be placed in thin layers parallel with the long axis of the dam.
Spring Developments
x
x
x
The spring source would be fenced to prevent livestock grazing and trampling.
Escape ramps would be installed in all water troughs to allow wildlife to escape.
Overflow from troughs would be piped away from the developed source area.
Fencing
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Fences would be designed to prevent the passage of livestock without stopping the movement of
wildlife.
Wire spacing would follow these specifications :The majority of fences would be constructed as
follows: 4-wire with the bottom wire 16-18 inches off the ground with the sequence of the
remaining 3-wires above this being 6 inches, 6 inches, and 12 inches; the maximum height of the
fence (ground to top wire) would be 42 inches.
The bottom wire on all fencing would be 2-strand smooth wire, not barbed, to facilitate antelope
crossings.
Steel “t-post” spacing would be between 16 feet and 24 feet, depending on local conditions.
Brace posts, tree scabs, and/or rock jacks (rock cribs) would be constructed to enhance fence
integrity with one at least every 0.25 mile.
No woven wire “sheep” fences would be constructed on public lands.
Brushing and tree limb removal will be limited to only that necessary for surveying, placement,
and construction of a fence.
Where fences cross existing roads, either gates or cattle guards would be installed.
Where workable, fence construction would be located outside riparian management areas.
Grazing Allotments in the Klamath Falls Field Office and
Medford District
The following tables summarize information for allotments on the Klamath Falls Field Office and the
Medford District. Table K-1 and Table K-2 contain detailed information about these grazing allotments
including acres derived from the BLM allotment and pasture boundary (GRA) theme. For all allotments
proposed to be made unavailable to livestock grazing see Appendix B (Management Direction).
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Appendix K – Livestock Grazing
Standards for Rangeland Health
The following section contains the Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing
Management for Public Lands in Oregon and Washington. These standards and guidelines are referenced
in Chapters 2 and 3 of this Draft EIS. Livestock grazing would be managed in accordance with these
standards and guidelines.
STANDARDS FOR RANGELAND HEALTH
AND
GUIDELINES FOR LIVESTOCK GRAZING
MANAGEMENT
FOR
PUBLIC LANDS ADMINISTERED BY THE BUREAU OF
LAND MANAGEMENT IN THE STATES OF OREGON
AND
WASHINGTON
AUGUST 12, 1997
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Appendix K – Livestock Grazing
Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for
Livestock Grazing Management for Public Lands in Oregon
and Washington
Introduction
These Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management for Public
Lands in Oregon and Washington were developed in consultation with Resource Advisory Councils and
Provincial Advisory Committees, tribes and others. These standards and guidelines meet the requirements
and intent of 43 Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 4180 (Rangeland Health) and are to be used as
presented, in their entirety. These standards and guidelines are intended to provide a clear statement of
agency policy and direction for those who use public lands for livestock grazing, and for those who are
responsible for their management and accountable for their condition. Nothing in this document should be
interpreted as an abrogation of Federal trust responsibilities in protection of treaty rights of Indian tribes
or any other statutory responsibilities including, but not limited to, the Taylor Grazing Act, the Clean
Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Fundamentals of Rangeland Health
The objectives of the rangeland health regulations referred to above are “to promote healthy sustainable
rangeland ecosystems; to accelerate restoration and improvement of public rangelands to properly
functioning conditions; . . . and to provide for the sustainability of the western livestock industry and
communities that are dependent upon productive, healthy public rangelands.”
To help meet these objectives, the regulations on rangeland health identify fundamental principles
providing direction to the States, districts, and on-the-ground public land managers and users in the
management and use of rangeland ecosystems.
A hierarchy, or order, of ecological function and process exists within each ecosystem. The rangeland
ecosystem consists of four primary, interactive components: a physical component, a biological
component, a social component, and an economic component. This perspective implies that the physical
function of an ecosystem supports the biological health, diversity, and productivity of that system. In turn,
the interaction of the physical and biological components of the ecosystem provides the basic needs of
society and supports economic use and potential.
The Fundamentals of Rangeland Health stated in 43 CFR 4180 are:
1. Watersheds are in, or are making significant progress toward, properly functioning physical
condition, including their upland, riparian-wetland, and aquatic components; soil and plant
conditions support infiltration, soil moisture storage and the release of water that are in balance
with climate and landform and maintain or improve water quality, water quantity and the timing
and duration of flow.
2. Ecological processes, including the hydrologic cycle, nutrient cycle and energy flow, are
maintained, or there is significant progress toward their attainment, in order to support healthy
biotic populations and communities.
3. Water quality complies with State water quality standards and achieves, or is making significant
progress toward achieving, established Bureau of Land Management objectives such as meeting
wildlife needs.
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4. Habitats are, or are making significant progress toward being, restored or maintained for Federal
threatened and endangered species, Federal Proposed, Category 1 and 2 Federal candidate and
other special status species.
The fundamentals of rangeland health combine the basic precepts of physical function and biological
health with elements of law relating to water quality, and plant and animal populations and communities.
They provide direction in the development and implementation of the standards for rangeland health.
Standards for Rangeland Health
The standards for rangeland health (standards), based on the above fundamentals, are expressions of the
physical and biological condition or degree of function necessary to sustain healthy rangeland
ecosystems. Although the focus of these standards is on domestic livestock grazing on Bureau of Land
Management lands, on-the-ground decisions must consider the effects and impacts of all uses.
Standards that address the physical components of rangeland ecosystems focus on the roles and
interactions of geology and landform, soil, climate and water as they govern watershed function and soil
stability. The biological components addressed in the standards focus on the roles and interactions of
plants, animals and microbes (producers, consumers and decomposers), and their habitats in the
ecosystem. The biological component of rangeland ecosystems is supported by physical function of the
system, and it is recognized that biological activity influences and supports many of the ecosystem's
physical functions.
Guidance contained in 43 CFR 4180 of the regulations directs management toward the maintenance or
restoration of the physical function and biological health of rangeland ecosystems. Focusing on the basic
ecological health and function of rangelands is expected to provide for the maintenance, enhancement, or
creation of future social and economic options.
The standards are based upon the ecological potential and capability of each site. In assessing a site's
condition or degree of function, it must be understood that the evaluation compares each site to its own
potential or capability. Potential and capability are defined as follows:
x
Potential-The highest level of condition or degree of function a site can attain given no political,
social, or economic constraints.
x
Capability-The highest level of condition or degree of function a site can attain given certain
political, social, or economic constraints. For example, these constraints might include riparian
areas permanently occupied by a highway or railroad bed that prevent the stream's full access to
its original flood plain. If such constraints are removed, the site may be able to move toward its
potential.
In designing and implementing management strategies to meet the standards of rangeland health, the
potential of the site must be identified, and any constraints recognized, in order that plan goals and
objectives are realistic and physically and economically achievable.
Standards and Guidelines in Relation to the Planning
Process
The standards apply to the goals of land use plans, activity plans, and project plans (Allotment
Management Plans, Annual Operating Plans, Habitat Management Plans, etc.). They establish the
physical and biological conditions or degree of function toward which management of publicly-owned
rangeland is to be directed. In the development of a plan, direction provided by the standards and the
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social and economic needs expressed by local communities and individuals are brought together in
formulating the goal(s) of that plan.
When the standards and the social and economic goals of the planning participants are woven together in
the plan goal(s), the quantifiable, time specific objective(s) of the plan are then developed. Objectives
describe and quantify the desired future conditions to be achieved within a specified timeframe. Each plan
objective should address the physical, biological, social, and economic elements identified in the plan
goal.
Standards apply to all ecological sites and landforms on public rangelands throughout Oregon and
Washington. The standards require site-specific information for full on-ground usability. For each
standard, a set of indicators is identified for use in tailoring the standards to site-specific situations. These
indicators are used for rangeland ecosystem assessments and monitoring and for developing terms and
conditions for permits and leases that achieve the plan goal.
Guidelines for livestock grazing management offer guidance in achieving the plan goal and objectives.
The guidelines outline practices, methods, techniques and considerations used to ensure that progress is
achieved in a way, and at a rate, that meets the plan goal and objectives.
Indicators of Rangeland Health
The condition or degree of function of a site in relation to the standards and its trend toward or away from
any standard is determined through the use of reliable and scientifically sound indicators. The consistent
application of such indicators can provide an objective view of the condition and trend of a site when used
by trained observers.
For example, the amount and distribution of ground cover can be used to indicate that infiltration at the
soil surface can take place as described in the standard relating to upland watershed function. In applying
this indicator, the specific levels of plant cover necessary to support infiltration in a particular soil should
be identified using currently available information from reference areas, if they exist; from technical
sources like soil survey reports, Ecological Site Inventories, and Ecological Site Descriptions, or from
other existing reference materials. Reference areas are lands that best represent the potential of a specific
ecological site in both physical function and biological health. In many instances potential reference areas
are identified in Ecological Site Descriptions and are referred to as “type locations.” In the absence of
suitable reference areas, the selection of indicators to be used in measuring or judging condition or
function should be made by an interdisciplinary team of experienced professionals and other trained
individuals.
Not all indicators identified for each standard are expected to be employed in every situation. Criteria for
selecting appropriate indicators and methods of measurement and observation include, but are not limited
to: 1. the relationship between the attribute(s) being measured or observed and the desired outcome; 2. the
relationship between the activity (e.g., livestock grazing) and the attribute(s) being measured or observed;
and 3. funds and workforce available to conduct the measurements or observations.
Assessments and Monitoring
The standards are the basis for assessing and monitoring rangeland condition and trend. Carrying out
well-designed assessment and monitoring is critical to restoring or maintaining healthy rangelands and
determining trends and conditions.
Assessments are a cursory form of evaluation based on the standards that can be used at different
landscape scales. Assessments, conducted by qualified interdisciplinary teams (which may include but are
not limited to physical, biological, and social specialists, and interagency personnel) with participation
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from permittees and other interested parties, are appropriate at the watershed and sub-watershed levels, at
the allotment and pasture levels and on individual ecological sites or groups of sites. Assessments identify
the condition or degree of function within the rangeland ecosystem and indicate resource problems and
issues that should be monitored or studied in more detail. The results of assessments are a valuable tool
for managers in assigning priorities within an administrative area and the subsequent allocation of
personnel, money and time in resource monitoring and treatment. The results of assessments may also be
used in making management decisions where an obvious problem exists.
Monitoring, which is the well documented and orderly collection, analysis and interpretation of resource
data, serves as the basis for determining trends in the condition or degree of function of rangeland
resources and for making management decisions. Monitoring should be designed and carried out to
identify trends in resource conditions, to point out resource problems, to help indicate the cause of such
problems, to point out solutions, and/or to contribute to adaptive management decisions. In cases where
monitoring data do not exist, professional judgment, supported by interdisciplinary team
recommendation, may be relied upon by the authorized officer in order to take necessary action. Review
and evaluation of new information must be an ongoing activity.
To be effective, monitoring must be consistent over time, throughout administrative areas, and in the
methods of measurement and observation of selected indicators. Those doing the monitoring must have
the knowledge and skill required by the level or intensity of the monitoring being done, as well as the
experience to properly interpret the results. Technical support for training must be made available.
Measurability
It is recognized that not every area will immediately meet the standards and that it will sometimes be a
long-term process to restore some rangelands to properly functioning condition. It is intended that in cases
where standards are not being met, measurable progress should be made toward achieving those
standards, and significant progress should be made toward fulfilling the fundamentals of rangeland health.
Measurability is defined on a case-specific basis based upon the stated planning objectives (i.e.,
quantifiable, time specific), taking into account economic and social goals along with the biological and
ecological capability of the area. To the extent that a rate of recovery conforms with the planning
objectives, the area is allowed the time to meet the standard under the selected management regime.
Implementation
The material contained in this document will be incorporated into existing Land Use Plans and used in the
development of new Land Use Plans. According to 43 CFR 4130.3-1, permits and leases shall incorporate
terms and conditions that ensure conformance with 43 CFR 4180. Terms and conditions of existing
permits and leases will be modified to reflect standards and guidelines at the earliest possible date with
priority for modification being at the discretion of the authorized officer. Terms and conditions of new
permits and leases will reflect standards and guidelines in their development.
Indicators identified in this document will serve as a focus of interpretation of existing monitoring data
and will provide the basis of design for monitoring and assessment techniques, and in the development of
monitoring and assessment plans.
The authorized officer shall take appropriate action as soon as practicable but not later than the start of the
next grazing year upon determining, through assessment or monitoring by experienced professionals and
interdisciplinary teams, that a standard is not being achieved and that livestock are a significant
contributing factor to the failure to achieve the standards and conform with the guidelines.
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Standards for Rangeland Health
Standard 1 Watershed Function – Uplands
Upland soils exhibit infiltration and permeability rates,
moisture storage and stability that are appropriate to soil,
climate and landform.
Rationale and Intent
This standard focuses on the basic physical functions of upland soils that support plant growth, the
maintenance or development of plant populations and communities, and promote dependable flows of
quality water from the watershed.
To achieve and sustain rangeland health, watersheds must function properly. Watersheds consist of three
principle components: the uplands, riparian/wetland areas and the aquatic zone. This standard addresses
the upland component of the watershed. When functioning properly, within its potential, a watershed
captures, stores and safely releases the moisture associated with normal precipitation events (equal to or
less than the 25 year, 5 hour event) that falls within its boundaries. Uplands make up the largest part of
the watershed and are where most of the moisture received during precipitation events is captured and
stored.
While all watersheds consist of similar components and processes, each is unique in its individual
makeup. Each watershed displays its own pattern of landform and soil, its unique climate and weather
patterns, and its own history of use and current condition. In directing management toward achieving this
standard, it is essential to treat each unit of the landscape (soil, ecological site, and watershed) according
to its own capability and how it fits with both smaller and larger units of the landscape. A set of potential
indicators has been identified for which site-specific criteria will be used to determine if this standard is
being met. The appropriate indicators to be used in determining attainment of the standard should be
drawn from the following list.
Potential Indicators
Protection of the soil surface from raindrop impact; detention of overland flow; maintenance of
infiltration and permeability, and protection of the soil surface from erosion, consistent with the
potential/capability of the site, as evidenced by the following:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Amount and distribution of plant cover (including forest canopy cover)
Amount and distribution of plant litter
Accumulation/incorporation of organic matter
Amount and distribution of bare ground
Amount and distribution of rock, stone, and gravel
Plant composition and community structure
Thickness and continuity of A horizon
Character of micro-relief
Presence and integrity of biotic crusts
Root occupancy of the soil profile
Biological activity (plant, animal, and insect)
Absence of accelerated erosion and overland flow
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Soil and plant conditions promote moisture storage as evidenced by:
x
x
x
x
Amount and distribution of plant cover (including forest canopy cover)
Amount and distribution of plant litter
Plant composition and community structure
Accumulation/incorporation of organic matter
Standard 2 Watershed Function - Riparian/Wetland Areas
Riparian-wetland areas are in properly functioning physical
condition appropriate to soil, climate, and landform.
Rationale and Intent
Riparian-wetland areas are grouped into two major categories: 1. lentic, or standing water systems such as
lakes, ponds, seeps, bogs, and meadows; and 2. lotic, or moving water systems such as rivers, streams,
and springs. Wetlands are areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency
and duration to support, and which under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted to life in saturated soil conditions. Riparian areas commonly occupy the transition zone
between the uplands and surface water bodies (the aquatic zone) or permanently saturated wetlands.
Properly functioning condition of riparian and wetland areas describes the degree of physical function of
these components of the watershed. Their functionality is important to water quality in the capture and
retention of sediment and debris, the detention and detoxification of pollutants, and in moderating
seasonal extremes of water temperature. Properly functioning riparian areas and wetlands enhance the
timing and duration of streamflow through dissipation of flood energy, improved bank storage, and
ground water recharge. Properly functioning condition should not be confused with the Desired Plant
Community (DPC) or the Desired Future Condition (DFC) since, in most cases, it is the precursor to these
levels of resource condition and is required for their attainment.
A set of indicators has been identified for which site-specific criteria will be used to determine if this
standard is being met. The criteria are based upon the potential (or upon the capability where potential
cannot be achieved) of individual sites or land forms.
Potential Indicators
Hydrologic, vegetative, and erosional/depositional processes interact in supporting physical function,
consistent with the potential or capability of the site, as evidenced by:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Frequency of floodplain/wetland inundation;
Plant composition, age class distribution, and community structure;
Root mass;
Point bars re-vegetating;
Streambank/shoreline stability;
Riparian area width;
Sediment deposition;
Active/stable beaver dams;
Coarse/large woody debris;
Upland watershed conditions;
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x
x
Frequency/duration of soil saturation; and
Water table fluctuation.
Stream channel characteristics are appropriate for landscape position as evidenced by:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Channel width/depth ratio;
Channel sinuosity;
Gradient;
Rocks and coarse and/or large woody debris;
Overhanging banks;
Pool/riffle ratio;
Pool size and frequency; and
Stream embeddedness.
Standard 3 Ecological Processes
Healthy, productive and diverse plant and animal populations
and communities appropriate to soil, climate and landform
are supported by ecological processes of nutrient cycling,
energy flow and the hydrologic cycle.
Rationale and Intent
This standard addresses the ecological processes of energy flow and nutrient cycling as influenced by
existing and desired plant and animal communities without establishing the kinds, amounts, or
proportions of plant and animal community compositions. While emphasis may be on native species, an
ecological site may be capable of supporting a number of different native and introduced plant and animal
populations and communities while meeting this standard. This standard also addresses the hydrologic
cycle, which is essential for plant growth and appropriate levels of energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Standards 1 and 2 address the watershed aspects of the hydrologic cycle.
With few exceptions, all life on earth is supported by the energy supplied by the sun and captured by
plants in the process of photosynthesis. This energy enters the food chain when plants are consumed by
insects and herbivores and passes upward through the food chain to the carnivores. Eventually, the energy
reaches the decomposers and is released as the thermal output of decomposition or through oxidation.
The ability of plants to capture sunlight energy, to grow and develop, to play a role in soil development
and watershed function, to provide habitat for wildlife and to support economic uses depends on the
availability of nutrients and moisture. Nutrients necessary for plant growth are made available to plants
through the decomposition and metabolization of organic matter by insects, bacteria, and fungi, the
weathering of rocks and extraction from the atmosphere. Nutrients are transported through the soil by
plant uptake, leaching and by rodent, insect and microbial activity. They follow cyclical patterns as they
are used and reused by living organisms.
The ability of rangelands to supply resources and satisfy social and economic needs depends on the
buildup and cycling of nutrients over time. Interrupting or slowing nutrient cycling can lead to site
degradation, as these lands become increasingly deficient in the nutrients plants require.
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Some plant communities, because of past use, frequent fire or other histories of extreme or continued
disturbance, are incapable of meeting this standard. For example, shallow-rooted winter-annual grasses
that completely dominate some sites do not fully occupy the potential rooting depth of some soils, thereby
reducing nutrient cycling well below optimum levels. In addition, these plants have a relatively short
growth period and thus capture less sunlight than more diverse plant communities. Plant communities like
those cited in this example are considered to have crossed the threshold of recovery and often require
great expense to be recovered. The cost of recovery must be weighed against the site’s potential
ecological/economic value in establishing treatment priorities.
The role of fire in natural ecosystems should be considered, whether it acts as a primary driver or only as
one of many factors. It may play a significant role in both nutrient cycling and energy flows.
A set of indicators has been identified for which site-specific criteria will be used to determine if this
standard is being met.
Potential Indicators
Photosynthesis is effectively occurring throughout the potential growing season, consistent with the
potential/capability of the site, as evidenced by plant composition and community structure.
Nutrient cycling is occurring effectively, consistent with the potential/capability of the site, as evidenced
by:
x
x
x
x
x
Plant composition and community structure;
Accumulation, distribution, incorporation of plant litter and organic matter into the soil;
Animal community structure and composition;
Root occupancy in the soil profile; and
Biological activity including plant growth, herbivory, and rodent, insect, and microbial activity.
Standard 4 Water Quality
Surface water and groundwater quality, influenced by agency
actions, complies with State water quality standards.
Rationale and Intent
The quality of the water yielded by a watershed is determined by the physical and chemical properties of
the geology and soils unique to the watershed, the prevailing climate and weather patterns, current
resource conditions, the uses to which the land is put and the quality of the management of those uses.
Standards 1, 2, and 3 contribute to attaining this standard.
States are legally required to establish water quality standards and Federal land management agencies are
to comply with those standards. In mixed ownership watersheds, agencies, like any other landowners,
have limited influence on the quality of the water yielded by the watershed. The actions taken by the
agency will contribute to meeting State water quality standards during the period that water crosses
agency-administered holdings.
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Potential Indicators
Water quality meets applicable water quality standards as evidenced by:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Water temperature;
Dissolved oxygen;
Fecal coliform;
Turbidity;
pH;
Populations of aquatic organisms; and
Effects on beneficial uses (i.e., effects of management activities on beneficial uses as defined
under the Clean Water Act and State implementing regulations).
Standard 5 Native, T&E, and Locally Important Species
Habitats support healthy, productive and diverse populations
and communities of native plants and animals (including
special status species and species of local importance)
appropriate to soil, climate and landform.
Rationale and Intent
Federal agencies are mandated to protect threatened and endangered species and will take appropriate
action to avoid the listing of any species. This standard focuses on retaining and restoring native plant and
animal (including fish) species, populations and communities (including threatened, endangered and other
special status species and species of local importance). In meeting the standard, native plant communities
and animal habitats would be spatially distributed across the landscape with a density and frequency of
species suitable to ensure reproductive capability and sustainability. Plant populations and communities
would exhibit a range of age classes necessary to sustain recruitment and mortality fluctuations.
Potential Indicators
Essential habitat elements for species, populations, and communities are present and available, consistent
with the potential/capability of the landscape, as evidenced by:
x
x
x
x
x
x
plant community composition, age class distribution, productivity;
animal community composition, productivity;
habitat elements;
spatial distribution of habitat;
habitat connectivity; and
population stability/resilience
Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management
Guidelines for livestock grazing management offer guidance in achieving plan goals, meeting standards
for rangeland health and fulfilling the fundamentals of rangeland health. Guidelines are applied in
accordance with the capabilities of the resource in consultation, cooperation, and coordination with
permittees/lessees and the interested public. Guidelines enable managers to adjust grazing management
on public lands to meet current and anticipated climatic and biological conditions.
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General Guidelines
1. Involve diverse interests in rangeland assessment, planning and monitoring.
2. Assessment and monitoring are essential to the management of rangelands, especially in areas
where resource problems exist or issues arise. Monitoring should proceed using a qualitative
method of assessment to identify critical, site-specific problems or issues using interdisciplinary
teams of specialists, managers, and knowledgeable land users.
Once identified, critical, site-specific problems or issues should be targeted for more intensive,
quantitative monitoring or investigation. Priority for monitoring and treatment should be given to those
areas that are ecologically at-risk where benefits can be maximized given existing budgets and other
resources.
Livestock Grazing Management
1. The season, timing, frequency, duration and intensity of livestock grazing use should be based on
the physical and biological characteristics of the site and the management unit in order to:
a. Provide adequate cover (live plants, plant litter and residue) to promote infiltration, conserve
soil moisture and to maintain soil stability.
b. Provide adequate cover and plant community structure to promote streambank stability,
debris and sediment capture, floodwater energy dissipation in the riparian areas.
c. Promote soil surface conditions that support infiltration.
d. Avoid sub-surface soil compaction that retards the movement of water in the soil profile.
e. Help prevent the increase and spread of noxious weeds.
f. Maintain or restore diverse plant populations and communities that fully occupy the potential
rooting volume of the soil
g. Maintain or restore plant communities that optimize the length of the photosynthetic period.
h. Promote soil and site conditions that provide the opportunity for the establishment of
desirable plants
i. Protect or restore water quality.
j. Provide for the life cycle requirements, and maintain or restore the habitat elements of native
(including T and E, special status, and locally important species) and desired plants and
animals.
2. Grazing management plans should be tailored to site-specific conditions and plan objectives.
Livestock grazing should be coordinated with the timing of precipitation, plant growth and plant
form. Soil moisture, plant growth stage and the timing of peak stream flows are key factors in
determining when to graze. Response to different grazing strategies varies with differing
ecological sites.
3. Grazing management systems should consider nutritional and her health requirements of the
livestock in the system.
4. Integrate grazing management systems into the year-round management strategy and resources of
the permittee(s) or lessee(s). Consider the use of collaborative approaches (e.g., Coordinated
Resource Management, Working Groups) in the integration.
5. Competition for forage and browse between livestock, big game animals, and wild horses must be
considered in designing and implementing a grazing plan.
6. Provide periodic rest form grazing for rangeland vegetation during critical growth periods to
promote plant vigor, reproduction and productivity.
7. Range improvements practices should be prioritized to promotes rehabilitation and resolve
grazing concerns on transitory grazing land.
8. The potential for conflict between grazing use on public land and adjoining land uses must be
considered in the design and implementation of the grazing management plan.
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Appendix K – Livestock Grazing
Facilitating the Management of Livestock Grazing
1. The uses of practices to facilitate the implementation of grazing systems should consider the kind
and class of animals managed, indigenous wildlife, wild horses, the terrain and the availability of
water. Practices such as fencing, herding, water development, and the placement of salt and
supplements are used where appropriate to:
a. Provide adequate cover (live plants, plant litter and residue) to promote infiltration, conserve
soil moisture and to maintain soil stability.
b. Encourage a uniform level of proper grazing use throughout the grazing unit;
c. Avoid unwanted or damaging concentrations of livestock on streambank, in riparian areas
and other sensitive areas such as highly erodible soils, unique wildlife habitat, and plant
communities and
d. Protect water quality.
2. Roads used to facilitate livestock grazing are constructed and maintained in a manner that
minimized the effects on landscape hydrology; concentration of overland flow, erosion and
sediment transport are prevented; and subsurface flows are retained.
Accelerating Rangeland Recovery
1. Upland treatments that alter the vegetative composition of a site, like prescribed burning, juniper
management and seedings or plants must be based on the potential of the site and should:
2. Retain or promote infiltration, permeability, and soil moisture storage
a. Contribute to nutrient cycling and energy flow.
b. Protect water quality
c. Help prevent the increase and spread of noxious weeds
d. Contribute to the diversity of plant communities and plant community composition and
structure
e. Support the conservation of T&E, other special status species and species of local importance
f. Be followed up with grazing management and other treatments that extend the life of the
treatments and address the cause of the original treatment need.
g. Seedings and plantings of non-native vegetation should only be used in those cases where
native species are not available in sufficient quantities, native species are incapable of
maintaining or achieving the Standards; or where non-native species are essential to the
protection of the functional integrity of the site.
3. Structural and vegetative treatments and animal introductions in riparian and wetland areas must
be compatible with the capability of the site, including the systems hydrologic regime, and
contribute to the maintenance or restoration of properly functioning condition.
Drought Management Policies
With drought conditions and issues, the principal focus of the Bureau of Land Management’s actions is to
maintain the long-term health and productivity of the Nation’s rangelands with awareness to maintain a
balance to those who rely on public lands for their livelihood.
Pre-Season
Preferable four or months before turn out, but a minimum of one month prior to turn out (or 2 weeks if
authorized use is year round).
Inform grazing permittee and lessees, in writing, about current and projected drought conditions. Outline
potential responsive management actions the BLM may take that would affect their use of public lands for
grazing in the coming grazing season. Actively engage and encourage operators to communicate and
coordinate identifying and implementing appropriately responsive grazing management adjustments.
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Appendix K – Livestock Grazing
Inform permittee of suggested adjustments to grazing use, as necessary, which may include reducing
livestock numbers, shortening the season of use, altering pasture move dates, changing pasture rotations,
authorizing water hauling, allowing use in vacant allotments.
Line officers have the option to implement needed changes through a formal agreement between the BLM
and grazing operator (which is recommended to be implemented by decision) that specifies the droughtrelated grazing adjustments (43 CFR 4110.3-3 (a)), or by temporarily suspending or otherwise modifying
use via a decision that may be put into immediate effect, if necessary (43 CFR 4113.3-2 (a) and 3-3 (b).
Be sure to include the intended duration of the drought-related grazing adjustment with rationale.
Issuing a grazing decision to implement an agreement for changes in use provides for administrative
finality of the approval of actions that will occur under the agreement. Issuing a grazing a grazing
agreement where agreement cannot be reached must be preceded by a reasonable attempt at consultation,
cooperation, and coordination with affected grazing operators, the state having lands or responsible for
managing resources in the affected area and the interested public.
Mid-Season
Evaluate on-the-ground resource conditions to determine the effects and appropriateness of continued
grazing by all users. Continue to interact with affected livestock permittees and lessees to refine livestock
grazing management practices as needed. Communicate to permittees or lessees in advance the conditions
or circumstances that would prompt further livestock management adjustments or modifications.
During multiple-year drought cycles consult with the agency to determine if temporary reductions of
ungulate populations are appropriate to provide for healthy long-term habitats.
Late-Season
Notify permit or lease holder they must move or remove livestock within a designated period, if adverse
impacts to resources attributable to livestock grazing are occurring despite the drought response actions
implemented.
Regulation 43 CFR 4130.8-2(b) authorizes the BLM to refund grazing fees if previously approved
grazing use is not made due to drought conditions.
Coordinate with State Fish and Wildlife Agencies on drought response actions and potential effects to fish
and wildlife pursuant to state-level Memorandums of Understanding with the BLM.
Coordinate and consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service on
drought response actions and potential effects to Federally-listed fish and wildlife pursuant to section 7 of
the Endangered Species Act.
References
USDI BLM. 1989. BLM Manual Handbook 1741-1 – Fencing. Available at BLM district offices.
USDI BLM. 1990. BLM Manual Handbook 1741-2 – Water Developments. Available at BLM district offices.
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